Arabic version: المجلس يعترض على خطة تطوير شارع فيفثينث أفينيو

According to ABC News, Liverpool City Council is urging the NSW government to reconsider a $1.4 billion upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue, arguing the proposed design is flawed and could ultimately require the demolition of about 90 homes. The road is planned as the first stage of a future transport corridor connecting Liverpool, Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield.

Transport for NSW plans to widen the congested Liverpool road to two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes at intersections. Construction is expected to start this year. The federally and state-funded design includes footpaths and bus stops, but no dedicated bus or bicycle lanes, and uses wide lanes and median strips intended to accommodate faster traffic.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun has promoted an alternative council plan, saying narrower lanes and lower speeds would create room for bus lanes in both directions. The council says its proposal would cost an additional $239 million but would avoid later widening works. It says a possible second stage under the current approach would cost another $1 billion and require acquisition of about 90 properties, including newly built homes.

Transport for NSW said it does not consider the alternative design possible. A spokesperson said property acquisition would be needed for present and future stages because the council had not protected the corridor from housing development. The council rejected that account as inaccurate, saying it had spent $1.5 million in state funding on a viable design and business case before Transport for NSW took responsibility in 2021.

Infrastructure specialists have also questioned whether the state design fits NSW transport and housing policy. Tegan Mitchell, president of walking advocacy group Walk Sydney, said the plan conflicted with the goal of supporting public transport. Consultant Edward Chan said bus lanes from the outset would better support medium-density housing and rapid bus services. Transport for NSW said its proposal would ease congestion, account for forecast growth and improve road, public and active transport in an area where homes are expected to triple by 2036.